NTA Exam Calendar 2026-27: JEE Main, UGC NET and CUET PG Dates
NTA has announced tentative dates for 14 exams, including JEE Main, UGC-NET, CMAT and CUET-PG, from December 2026 to March 2027.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released a tentative exam calendar for examinations planned between December 2026 and March 2027. The schedule covers 14 competitive exams, including JEE Main, UGC NET, Joint CSIR UGC-NET, CMAT and CUET-PG.
These dates can help students plan their studies, travel and application work. However, NTA has made it clear that the calendar is not final. Exam dates may change due to administrative, academic, legal, technical or other unexpected reasons. Students should check the official NTA website before making final plans.
Key NTA exam dates from December 2026 to March 2027
| Examination | Proposed dates | Buffer dates |
|---|---|---|
| UGC-NET | December 14 to 19, 2026 | December 20 to 21 |
| Joint CSIR UGC-NET | December 20 to 21, 2026 | Not specified |
| JEE Main Session 1 | January 22 to 24 and January 28 to 30, 2027 | January 31 |
| CMAT | February 7, 2027 | Not specified |
| CUET-PG | March 1 to 5, March 8, March 12 to 20, and March 24 to 25, 2027 | March 30 to 31 |
JEE Main 2027 dates
The first edition of JEE Main 2027 is proposed for January 22 to 24 and January 28 to 30. January 31 has been kept as a buffer date. JEE Main is used for admission to engineering programmes, including courses at the National Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Information Technology and other participating institutes.
Applicants should watch for the information bulletin before filling out the form. It will carry details about eligibility, the application process, exam cities, paper pattern and fee payment. Keep login details and documents ready. The application window can feel short when everyone starts searching for the same passport-size photo at once.
UGC-NET and Joint CSIR UGC-NET
UGC-NET is scheduled from December 14 to 19, 2026. December 20 and 21 are listed as buffer dates. The exam is used to assess eligibility for Assistant Professor roles and the Junior Research Fellowship, based on the rules set for the examination cycle.
The Joint CSIR UGC-NET is proposed for December 20 and 21. It covers science subjects and is relevant to candidates seeking research fellowships or teaching eligibility in the listed subjects. Candidates should check the subject list and eligibility rules in the official notice.
CMAT and CUET-PG schedule
The Common Management Admission Test, or CMAT, is planned for February 7, 2027. The score is accepted by participating management institutes. Students should check each institute’s admission rules because taking CMAT does not by itself guarantee admission.
CUET-PG is planned across several dates in March 2027. The proposed exam dates are March 1 to 5, March 8, March 12 to 20, and March 24 to 25. March 30 and 31 have been kept as buffer dates. Since the exam runs across many days, candidates must check the date printed on their admit card instead of relying only on the broad calendar.
Other exams in the NTA calendar
The schedule also includes the following examinations:
- National Initiative for Technical Teachers Training, Parts 1 and 2
- Army Cadets College examination
- NIFT entrance examination
- Rashtriya Indian Military College examination
- Rashtriya Military Schools examination
- SWAYAM examination
- All India Sainik Schools entrance examination
What students should do now
- Save the tentative dates in a study calendar.
- Read the eligibility rules for the exam you plan to take.
- Track application notices on the official NTA website.
- Keep a valid email address and mobile number active.
- Prepare scanned photographs, signatures and identity documents.
- Check the exam city and admit card details when released.
- Keep the buffer dates in mind while planning travel or other tests.
The calendar gives students a useful planning window, but the official notification for each exam will remain the final source for dates, rules and instructions.
